MISS PICKEL'S PICKS

This book kept me up super late turning pages! When Tom gets sent to stay with his mysterious Uncle Harvey, he expects a boring trip—but instead, he ends up traveling to Peru on a wild hunt for hidden treasure. With dangerous criminals on their tail and ancient secrets to uncover, Tom and his uncle must work together using their wits, bravery, and a little luck to survive. What makes this book even more interesting is how it weaves in bits of British history, especially about a Sir Francis Drake, who was a pirate. The story connects the past with the present as Tom and Uncle Harvey follow clues that date back hundreds of years. Packed with danger, mystery, and a fast-paced plot, Island of Thieves is perfect for readers who love treasure hunts and thrilling escapes.

Ingrid is quiet, cautious, and not always sure where she fits in. But when life pushes her to re-examine her friendships and lean into new opportunities, she discovers that true connection comes from surrounding yourself with people who genuinely care about you. With heart, humor, and even a dash of social media fun (from Ingrid  and  her grandmother!), this story celebrates the courage it takes to find your voice. I was so excited to read this one because Jodi Meadows is one of the three authors behind the  Lady Janies  series, which are super fun retellings of famous historical figures. I really connected with Ingrid - she reminds of myself in middle school. I liked watching her slowly overcome her shyness and appreciate her true friends. My favorite part of the book is that Ingrid’s grandmother has a knitting channel on YouTube. It kind of inspired me to maybe start a vlog this winter!

              HERE IS MY VIDEO REVIEW! (It's a little rough because I didn't memorize my talk!) Winterhouse puzzles and codes Word Ladders

FIC MBA This is a fast paced action packed adventure, based on African and African American folklore. Tristan Strong is a 7th grader in Chicago. He’s having a rough time; his best friend, Eddie, has died, and he just lost a boxing match, disappointing his father and grandfather. Eddie’s parents decide it would be good for him to spend some time at his grandparents’ farm to clear his head. Tristan plans to spend some time reading Eddie’s journal, which contains stories based on the tales Tristan’s Nana told as they were growing up. The trip proves to be far from relaxing for Tristan, though. On his first night the farm Tristan wakes up to find that Eddie’s journal is glowing and a doll named Gum Baby swipes it from his nightstand. Tristan runs after Gum Baby and suddenly realizes that he’s punched a hole into another world, the land of Alke. In Alke he meets folk heroes John Henry and Brer Fox and learns that he, with help from the journal, can help save the people of Alke from the...

Looking for something good to read over February break? Check out a book or audiobook on Overdrive! If you need help logging into Overdrive let me know. Here's a link to a Padlet I made with some good Overdrive Reads:                                                                                       

HERE IS MY VIDEO REVIEW! 

 HERE IS MY VIDEO REVIEW!